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ISPO 2011 SETS NEW VISITOR RECORD

by Regina Henkel — February 10, 2011

The international tradeshow and business platform for sporting goods ispo (Feb. 6-9) in Munich just closed its doors with organizers that couldn’t be more satisfied: With more than 80,000 visiting industry professionals from 106 countries, the 71st ispo edition experienced a historical increase of more than 25% compared to the previous year, and thus set a new visitor record. In addition to Germany, the countries with the strongest increase in visitors included Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Russian Federation, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Norway and the USA.

Furthermore, the number of exhibitors increased by 200 to 2,267, as well as the net exhibition space did by about 13% to 101,100sqm. Amongst new exhibitors were, for example, premium ski brand Jet Set, which celebrated its relaunch with a huge stand at ispovision. The entire expanse of the New Munich Trade Fair, covering a total of 185,000sqm, was completely booked. Like in previous years, ispo once again confirmed its highly international character: 67% of visitors and 84% of exhibitors came from abroad.

Yet, ispo also presented a high degree of innovations. Besides the new collections with their constant improvement of technical features, also a new technology by Willy Bogner celebrated its world premiere. In a specially designed movie theater, the innovator screened a 360-degree, 5-D movies, involving the audience in the fascinating experience of skiing as closely as it gets without actually being on the slopes.

Klaus Dittrich, Chairman and CEO of Messe München GmbH: “ispo has exceeded all our expectations. In particular the sensational increase in visitor numbers proves the extraordinary significance of ispo in the international sports business.” The good atmosphere and the high number of visitors are also a result of the very good winter season with early snow and continuously deep temperatures, perfect for any kind of winter sports.

Bright colors again emerged as an important trend in snow sports fashion. From outdoor brand to freeride companies, colors and strong contrasts are dominating the collections for the next winter season. Also more technical features are on the agenda of the brands. Oakley is presenting its first collaboration with Gore for the technical outerwear. Gore, market leader in the membrane business, has been coming up with the news of the collaboration with Patagonia. Since sustainability and eco protection are main topics in the sports business, Gore and its PTFE membrane got a lot of new competition from more ecological membrane developers such as Sympatex.

ispo 12 will take place at the New Munich Trade Fair from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, 2012.